The Sicilian

Welcome to Palermo!

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Sicilian Specialties

PALERMO: Guided sightseeing includes the Church of Immacolata and a visit to the cathedral. Scenic drive to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d'Oro and a visit to the Norman Cathedral. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT: The story of the splendid Monreale Cathedral began as Arabs took control of Palermo. They transformed the cathedral into a mosque and banished the Bishop of Palermo from town. Not wishing to venture too far from his beloved cathedral, the Bishop settled in a small village in the hills overlooking Palermo, the site of modern-day Monreale. There, he built a modest church to keep the flame of local Christian worship alive. Today the cathedral is known for its stunning mosaics that cover an area of over 64,500sq ft.

Sweet and Salty Sicily

ERICE: Free time to browse.

MARSALA: Visit a salt mill en route to Mazara del Vallo. Enjoy a wine tasting. (B/D) 99 mi / 160 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: Lagoons, salt pans and windmills can be found along the coastline near Marsala. Learn all about the production of salt when visiting one of the original salt mills.

Timeless Temples

MAZARA DEL VALLO: Guided sightseeing includes the cathedral and a walk in the Old Town.

SCIACCA: Photo stop at the panoramic viewpoint.

AGRIGENTO: Take a guided walking tour at the Valley of Temples. (B/D) 93 mi / 150 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGY: The ruins of Akragas remain Sicily's most amazing archaeological site. The impressively well-preserved Tempio della Concordia sits in a spectacular setting upon a ridge where it served as a beacon for homecoming sailors and today draws enthralled visitors to revel in the remarkable Valley of the Temples.

Ancient Artistry in Sicily

PIAZZA ARMERINA: Take a guided visit to the Villa Romana del Casale with the largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world. (B/D) 130 mi / 210 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ART & ARCHITECTURE: Explore the extraordinary example of Roman power in one of the most luxurious villas of its kind in the Italian countryside. Marvel at the magnificently preserved mosaics that embellish the Villa Romana del Casale, designed and installed by African mosaic workers and the strength of the Roman influence and power throughout the Mediterranean region.

Historic Streets & Sweets

RAGUSA: Guided walking tour includes the city's oldest district, the Ibla, the 19th-century gardens of Giardini Iblei, and St. George Cathedral. Visit an authentic Carrettieri (Sicilian carts) workshop. Free time. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT: Visit an authentic Carrettieri workshop and learn everything about this ancient art. The craftsmanship involved in creating these carts is highly esteemed, and the tradition has been passed down through generations. Sicilian cart painting is considered a unique form of folk art, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

World Stages

NOTO: Walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele to admire San Nicolo Cathedral.

SYRACUSE: Guided visit to the Archaeological Park features the Greek Theatre and the Roman Amphitheatre. (B) 56 mi / 90 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ARCHITECTURE & ARCHAEOLOGY: Discover the extraordinary evidence of history found at Neapolis Archaeological Park of Siracusa. The stars of this show are the magnificent ancient ruins of the Greek Theatre and remarkable Roman Amphitheatre which are revered as one of the greatest archaeological sites in all of Italy.

Coastal Treasures

CATANIA: Take an orientation walk with free time to browse in Piazza del Duomo and Via Etnea. Take a scenic drive en route to Taormina Riviera with free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 75 mi / 120 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily's east coast. It sits at the foot of Mt. Etna, Europe's tallest volcano. The city's wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell 'Elefante statue and richly decorated St. Agata Cathedral. Nearby, La Pescheria weekday fish market is a rowdy spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants.

Frozen in Time

SAVOCA: Orientation walk followed by a Granita (semi-frozen drink), and brioche tasting at Bar Vitelli.

TAORMINA RIVIERA: Orientation walk and free time for lunch. Visit the Greek Theatre, followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D) 43 mi / 70 km

LOCAL FAVOURITE - LOCAL TASTES: Not quite the same as sorbet, the Sicilian invention of granita is Sicily's take on frozen concoctions that varies with the delightful tastes of lemon, mandarin orange, jasmine, almond, mint, coffee, or berries. A frozen blend of Sicilian pistachios is also a tempting way to enjoy this traditional treat.

Safe travels until we meet again!

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Catania. (B)